Mercury® Pink Saucer Magnolia

Mercury® is a late-flowering saucer magnolia with deep pink buds that open into large lavender-pink, fragrant flowers. Its upright pyramidal form and later bloom help reduce the chance that spring frost will damage flowers. [J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/mercury-magnolia/) lists it as Magnolia ‘NCMX1’ PP 29,218, about 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and hardy to USDA Zone 5. ## Flowers and foliage The cultivar blooms as much as a month later than other saucer magnolias, extending the flowering season. Dark green leaves turn yellow in fall. A strong central leader and upright branches give the tree a formal pyramidal outline. ## Placement and care Use Mercury as a flowering specimen where its mature height and spread can be accommodated. Full sun is a practical choice for flowering trees; provide well-drained soil and water during establishment and extended dry spells. The JFS profile describes the selection and its dimensions; its nursery stock sizing should not be confused with mature landscape size. ## Maintenance Magnolias need little routine pruning. If shaping is necessary, prune lightly after flowering and remove dead or damaged wood. Avoid late-season pruning that could remove next spring’s flower buds.